Got leftover Thanksgiving turkey? From quick meals and classic comfort foods to homemade stock and smart storage tips, I’ll show you what to do with turkey leftovers and use every part to its full potential.
One of the most exciting parts of the holiday season is when the feast winds down and I’m left with a fridge full of turkey, ready to be transformed into a myriad of classic and creative dishes.
If you’ve also found yourself blessed with too much turkey, whether you roasted, smoked, or were sent home with a container of leftovers, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll put every bit of the bird to work (tender meat, bones, innards, and all!) in ways that are truly delicious. You’ll find ideas for stretching your turkey into protein-packed lunches and family-friendly dinners, plus step-by-step tips for breaking down the carcass and making rich, homemade turkey stock.
Because around here, nothing goes to waste.
10 Quick & Easy Ways to Use Leftover Turkey
After all that Thanksgiving cooking, the last thing you need is another complicated recipe.
Fortunately, these ideas turn leftover turkey meat into a satisfying meal in minutes:
- Turkey hash – Crisp diced potatoes in a skillet, toss in chopped turkey and onions, and top with a fried egg for a hearty next-day breakfast.
- Turkey salad – Combine diced turkey with mayo, onion, and celery. Or, go Waldorf-style and toss with mayo, chopped apples, celery, grapes, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans or walnuts.
- Turkey sandwiches – Use sliced turkey to make a deli-style cold sandwich layered with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and avocado.
- Turkey wraps – Wrap turkey slices with hummus and fresh veggies in a tortilla or crisp lettuce leaves for a light, handheld lunch.
- Turkey tacos – Shred turkey, toss it with salsa, and tuck it into tortillas with your favorite toppings for instant Tex-Mex!
- Turkey quesadillas – Sandwich shredded turkey and cheese between tortillas, pan-fry until melty, and serve with salsa or guacamole.
- Turkey stir-fry – Sauté chopped turkey with fresh veggies, garlic, and your favorite stir-fry sauce for a high-protein dinner in 15 minutes flat.
- Turkey fried rice – Add diced turkey to your favorite fried rice recipe! Don’t forget scrambled eggs and a splash of sesame oil for that classic take-out flavor.
- Turkey ramen – Add shredded turkey, fresh greens, a jammy egg, and a squeeze of lime to instant ramen noodle soup for a quick, umami-packed bowl.
- Turkey pizza – Top naan or store-bought crust with sauce, cheese, diced turkey, and whatever veggies you have, then bake until bubbly.
Top Leftover Turkey Recipes from Around the Web
When I’m not coming up with my own quick and easy creations, I love checking out how my fellow food bloggers repurpose their holiday bird.
These leftover recipes take a bit more effort, but prove that the leftovers can be just as exciting, if not more so, than the main event:
- Turkey Chili – This lightened-up, speedy chili swaps beef for shredded turkey but is still packed with plenty of warm, comforting spice. I love topping mine with avocado and sharp cheddar for a little richness.
- Turkey Cranberry Melt – This mouthwatering, melty sandwich stacks slices of leftover Thanksgiving turkey, gooey cheese, cranberry sauce, and a smear of mustard between buttered bread, then grills it until golden.
- Turkey Curry – Warm spices and a creamy sauce transform tender leftover turkey into something completely new. It tasted absolutely delicious served with fluffy basmati rice and toasted naan.
- Turkey and Dumplings – The one is basically a warm hug in a bowl. Imagine tender turkey simmered in a savory broth with fluffy, pillowy dumplings that soak up all those home-cooked flavors.
- Turkey Enchiladas – Saucy shredded turkey rolled into tortillas, smothered in more sauce and gooey cheese, and baked until bubbly! This one is a must-make after the holidays in my house – I love how easy it is to prep ahead and pop in the oven when I’m ready.
- Turkey Enchilada Soup – This one-pot meal is a creamy, slightly spicy twist on classic enchiladas, combining shredded turkey with a rich, spiced tomato broth, beans, and corn. It’s perfect for using up turkey if you love soup with a little kick.
- Turkey Lasagna Rolls – A simple and delicious way to use leftovers. These turkey lasagna rolls combine pasta, cheese, and a savory filling for a hearty baked dish everyone will love.
- Turkey Nachos – Crispy tortilla chips piled high with shredded turkey, melted cheese, jalapeños, and all your favorite nacho toppings—these are always a big hit on gameday.
- Turkey Noodle Soup – This classic, soothing, comforting soup is packed with flavor and the perfect way to put your turkey stock to good use, especially when you’re craving something warm on a chilly day.
- Turkey Pot Pie – This cozy classic features a flaky crust and hearty vegetables tucked around tender turkey. I like adding extra fresh herbs to boost the flavor even more.
- Turkey Shepherd’s Pie – This wholesome shepherd’s pie uses a few leftover Thanksgiving dishes, layering rich gravy, veggies, and shredded turkey, all topped with a crust of leftover mashed potatoes. Honestly, there’s no better way to make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers.
- Turkey Sliders – Mini sandwiches packed with flavorful shredded turkey, melty cheese, and tangy sauce. These sliders are perfect for casual gatherings or a fun family meal that’s quick to assemble and always a hit.
- Turkey Stew – This turkey stew turns holiday leftovers into a comforting, hearty one-pot meal. Tender cooked turkey is simmered with carrots, potatoes, peas, celery, garlic, and onions in a savory broth, then thickened and brightened with a splash of vinegar.
- Turkey Stuffing Casserole – This oh-so-cheesy family favorite layers tender turkey with a creamy cheese sauce, veggies, and a crispy leftover stuffing topping. I mean, what’s not to love about all your Thanksgiving favorites in one delicious dish?
- Turkey Tettrazini – This creamy, nostalgic casserole combines tender turkey, mushrooms, and pasta in a luscious, cheesy sauce. It’s one of my favorite ways to stretch turkey leftovers into a comforting dinner I know everyone will love.
- Turkey Wild Rice Soup – This nourishing turkey soup combines tender leftover roast turkey with nutty wild rice, earthy mushrooms, and fresh herbs in a silky, creamy broth. It’s the perfect dish when you want something that strikes the perfect balance between hearty comfort and refined flavor.
Use the Turkey Carcass for Stock
What’s left of the turkey after you’ve carved off the meat is your ticket to the best homemade turkey stock, which you can use as a savory base in soups and stews, to make gravy, as the cooking liquid for your favorite grains, and so on.
Here’s how I approach it:
What to Save from the Carcass
I save all of it!
That includes the backbone, ribs, wing bones, and any leftover bits of breast or thigh still clinging to the bones. I even save the neck and giblets (usually in a little bag inside the bird) and the veggie scraps like onion skins, carrot ends, celery leaves, and garlic peel. These all add incredible depth to your stock.
I stash these scraps in a freezer bag as I’m cooking and keep them frozen until I’m ready to make broth or stock.
How to Make a Simple Stock
Here’s how to make homemade turkey stock with leftover turkey, so it’s ready whenever you need it:
- Break down the carcass into manageable pieces, then place the pieces and your saved veggies (like onion skins, carrot ends, celery leaves, and garlic peel) into a large stockpot.
- Cover everything with cold water, then bring the pot to a simmer over medium-low heat. Gently simmer for at least 3-4 hours. The longer you simmer, the better! You can even go up to 6-8 hours if you have time.
- Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve to remove all the mushy bones and veggies, then reduce the strained liquid by simmering it uncovered if you want a more concentrated flavor. Cool completely before storing.
- Freeze the stock in convenient, ready-to-use 1-4 cup freezer-safe containers. That way, you can thaw exactly what you need for future recipes!
Quick tip: Besides the usual veggie scraps, feel free to toss other aromatics in the stockpot, such as whole peppercorns, a couple of bay leaves, fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs, and a smashed garlic clove or two. Don’t be afraid to experiment – these little extras give your turkey stock a more nuanced, savory flavor.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Turkey
Proper storage and reheating are key to making sure your leftover turkey stays safe to eat and delicious.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Storing: Cooked and cooled turkey will keep safely in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to hold onto it longer, freezing is your best bet – properly wrapped slices, cubes, or whole pieces can last 2-4 months in the freezer. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge. Always label your containers with dates to keep track!
Reheating: Gently reheat turkey in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep things juicy. Alternatively, wrap the turkey in foil and warm it in a low oven (around 300°F) until heated through. Microwaving works too, but do it in short bursts with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
FAQ
Final Thoughts on Using Leftover Turkey
As you can see, leftover turkey, from the meat to the bones, opens a treasure trove of delicious possibilities.
Whether you’re assembling quick meals, putting extra love into cozy casseroles, or simmering a pot of stock from scratch, the second time around can feel just as special as the holiday feast itself.
If you’re looking for even more ways to enjoy turkey, be sure to browse my turkey recipe archives (most call for ground turkey, but the flavors and techniques easily adapt to your leftover Thanksgiving turkey). Happy cooking!
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- What to Do with Leftover Roasted Vegetables
- What to Do with Pomegranates
Meet Maria
Maria Ushakova is a holistic nutritionist and food blogger. She focuses on developing easy recipes using real food ingredients. She believes that healthy food is delicious and anyone can learn how to cook it. Maria’s work has appeared on numerous popular websites as well as in print.
